Flights to Thurles, County Tipperary from NT$20,751

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Thurles could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. Here are some useful hints that will help you start your next great adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Thurles, here you come:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.